Grief & Loss Resources
Our deepest condolences go out to all the families and friends of people involved in avalanche fatalities and accidents. Below is a list of resources to help support you through the initial and future stages of grief.
In crisis? Call or text 988What You May Be Feeling
Grief is the emotion you experience due to the loss of a friend or loved one. You may feel many difficult and unexpected emotions: denial, shock, anger, disbelief, guilt, and deep sadness. Loss happening in a mountain setting can cause multiple complex levels of impact — for survivors, bystanders, rescuers, and loved ones alike. Whatever you feel is valid, and support is available.
In the First 24 Hours
- Who is a trusted friend or family member to look out for you and help create a safe, structured plan?
- What do you need to take care of basic comfort and emotional needs?
- What do you crave right now, and do you have any additional stressors to address?
Crisis & Emergency Resources
Deschutes County 24-hr Crisis Line
541-322-7500 ext. 9 24/7 crisis support — walk-ins at 63311 NE Jamison St, BendYour local sheriff's office victims advocate group can also provide immediate, on-the-ground support following an incident. Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson — each have behavioral health services.
• Deschutes County: 541-322-7500 ext. 9
• Crook County: 541-323-5330
• Jefferson County: 541-475-6575.
Therapy & Peer Resources
Therapy can be a useful part of the healing process. The resources below aren't exhaustive, but focus on loss through mountain-related adventure sports and the Central Oregon community. If you already have a relationship with a therapist, that is a great place to start.
Partners in Care — Individual Grief Support
Offers short-term individual support counseling for those who have experienced the death of a loved one. Central Oregon's leading hospice and palliative care provider, with counselors experienced in traumatic and sudden loss.
541-382-5882 →NAMI Central Oregon
Peer support groups and mental health resources for adults in Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson Counties. Offers Connection Peer Support Groups and a Central Oregon Mental Health Providers Directory for direct referrals.
Visit Site →St. Charles Behavioral Health Services
Behavioral health services at St. Charles Medical Centers in Bend, Redmond, Prineville, and Madras. Provides assessments, counseling, and crisis referrals for Central Oregon residents.
541-706-2768 →Big Heart Big Hands
Supports counseling for those impacted by wilderness rescue. Dedicated to connecting mountain community members with grief and trauma professionals.
Visit Site →Survivors of Outdoor Adventures and Recovery (S.O.A.R)
Provides information and resources for people navigating grief and trauma involving adventure accidents. Offers regular peer support groups for many outdoor sports.
Visit Site →American Avalanche Association — Resilience Project
The AAA Resilience Project provides support and resources for those impacted by mental health challenges associated with avalanche accidents and close calls.
Visit Site →American Alpine Club — Grief Fund
Connects individuals to mental health professionals with a background in mountain sports. Financial assistance is also available to support treatment costs.
Visit Site →Responder Alliance
Builds individual and team resiliency in the face of traumatic stress. Particularly relevant for rescuers, avalanche professionals, and those repeatedly exposed to traumatic incidents in the backcountry.
Visit Site →The Stress Continuum
The Stress Continuum is a simple self-awareness tool that allows individuals and teams to make informed decisions and manage the risk of stress injury. Originally developed by the U.S. Marine Corps, it has been widely adapted for avalanche rescue, emergency response, and the outdoor industry.
Those closer to green are better prepared to respond to stressful situations and less likely to develop stress injuries. The goal is to recognize where you are — and move toward green.
Full resource at Responder Alliance →For Rescuers & Avalanche Professionals
Repeated exposure to traumatic events — including avalanche rescues and recoveries — puts responders at heightened risk for stress injury. The Responder Alliance's training program has been studied and shown to mitigate stress injury and burnout, and is becoming standard practice for leaders in alpine rescue and emergency response. If you or your team are experiencing secondary trauma, reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Visit responderalliance.com to learn more about training programs, the downloadable Stress Continuum card, and peer support resources.
